Ferry from Genoa to Palermo (Sicily)
Tickets, Prices & Schedules
Ferries from Genoa to Palermo (Sicily) operate year-round, with overnight crossings. The route is served by Grandi Navi Veloci (GNV), using large, conventional ferries equipped for both passengers and vehicles. The journey takes between 19.5 and 23.5 hours, depending on the vessel and weather conditions. Ticket prices start at around €64 for foot passengers.
Find up-to-date info, compare ferry schedules and prices, and book your Genoa to Palermo ferry on Ferryhopper with no hidden fees.
Discounts
Take advantage of the fixed discounts available by GNV and travel with lower-cost ferry tickets. The ferry company offers a 30% discount for children 4-11 years old, while Sicily residents are entitled to a 75%-85% discount.
Note: infants and toddlers up to 3 years travel free of charge.
On-board services and amenities
The Genoa - Palermo (Sicily) connection is usually served by GNV with large open-deck ferries that can accommodate over 2,000 passengers. Thanks to the top-notch amenities offered by the company, you can travel in comfort, have fun and enjoy new flavors:
- Meals: on board GNV ferries, you can find à la carte restaurants, snack bars, pizzerias, and self-service restaurants offering a wide range of breakfast, lunch and dinner options.
- Kids' activities: trip time is game time for the kids in the on-board childrens' areas.
- Shopping: a tour around the ferry's shopping center is a great way to kill some time and buy clothes, cosmetics, snacks, and gifts for your loved ones.
Plus: on certain GNV ferries you can also take a dip at the upper-deck swimming pool and relax at the pool bar.
Is there Wi-Fi access on board?
Usually, there is Internet access available on all GNV ferries traveling to Palermo from Genoa for a fee.
Cabins and accommodation
The ferry journey to Sicily is pretty long, so the best way to enjoy a relaxing trip is booking a comfortable cabin. The spacious ferries that operate on the route from Genoa to Palermo offer many options, including standard cabins, family suites, pet-friendly cabins, and accessible cabins for people with disabilities.
In terms of amenities, a standard cabin is normally equipped with a bed, wardrobe and A/C, while a suite normally has a double bed, a sofa bed, minibar, TV, and a phone. Note that you can also book a bed in a shared cabin (women's or men's).
Alternatively, you can book a numbered seat or a spot in the deck lounge.
Luggage
The ferry company Grandi Navi Veloci (GNV) allows each passenger to board with up to 2 pieces of luggage, without restrictions regarding size and weight.
Traveling with pets
You can travel with your pet on the ferry to Palermo from Genoa, as long as you include it in your booking and pay a fee. Your furry friend can travel with you in one of the following ways:
- In their carrier
- In an onboard kennel
- In a pet-friendly cabin (starting at around €123)
Prices for carriers and kennels range from €12 to €27, depending on your pet’s size. Make sure to bring along the necessary health certificates, tickets, and any equipment and supplies (food and water bowls, muzzle, leash, hygiene bags) you may need for your pet during the trip.
Useful tips for your ferry trip to Palermo from Genoa
Here are some travel tips for your trip from Genoa to Palermo:
- We recommend that you arrive at the port of Genoa at least 1 hr in advance if you are traveling as a foot passenger and at least 2 hr in advance if you are bringing along a vehicle.
- For long journeys such as this one, we recommend booking a cabin.
- During the summer, there are also ferries from Genoa to the Termini Imerese port, which is located 38 km from Palermo.
- If you plan to stay several days in Palermo, you should take advantage of the summer ferry connections to the Aeolian Islands. Choose your favorite island and discover the wonderful Aeolian archipelago.
- Also check out the latest GNV Palermo - Genoa ferry schedules and prices, and plan your return trip to mainland Italy.
- For additional details on ferry routes and island connections, visit our dedicated page on ferries to Sicily!
Where to take the ferry from Genoa to Palermo
Usually, ferries to Palermo depart from the Ponte Biagio Assereto terminal at the port of Genoa.
If you're arriving by train, the terminal is about a 20-min walk from Genoa’s central station. The port area is well-equipped with various traveler amenities, including restaurants, hotels and private parking lots.
How to get to the port of Genoa
You can get to the port of Genoa by car, taxi, metro, or bus. It takes about 25 min to get from Genova Piazza Principe railway station to the port's ferry terminals on foot, while there are also several buses (3, 20, 32, and 38) heading to the port. The closest subway station to the port is Dinegro.
Where does the ferry arrive in Palermo?
Ferries from Genoa arrive at Molo Piave, located within the port of Palermo. The surrounding area offers a range of convenient amenities, including bars, restaurants, hotels, and parking facilities
Palermo
The bustling capital of Sicily has it all: unique art and architecture, mouthwatering street food, stunning beaches, amazing nature, and an authentic vibe. Discover the top attractions and travel tips on our Palermo travel guide.
Genoa
Starting your ferry journey from Genoa, in Liguria? Find all the information you need about the popular port of northern Italy on our Genoa travel guide.
How long is the ferry ride from Genoa to Palermo (Sicily)?
The duration of the Genoa - Palermo ferry trip normally ranges between 19.5 hr to 23.5 hr. The route is direct and includes no intermediate stops.
Genoa - Palermo (Sicily) ferry companies
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FAQs
Yes, you can bring along your vehicle, as ferries traveling from Genoa to Palermo have large car decks. More specifically, you can transport smaller or larger vehicles, such as cars, motorcycles, scooters, motorhomes, campers, and vans; plus, you can bring along your bicycle free of charge. Note that you need to indicate the size of your vehicle when you make your ferry reservation on Ferryhopper.
As for vehicle ticket prices:
- Car tickets start at around €30
- Motorcycle tickets start at about €20
- Van / motorhome tickets start at around €75
Ferries operating on the Genoa - Palermo route are normally conventional. The fastest ferry from Genoa takes approximately 19 hr 30 min to reach Palermo.
The distance between the ports of Genoa and Palermo is 519 nautical miles (around 960 km).
Ferries from Genoa to Palermo usually depart at night, between 18:00 and midnight, and arrive at their destination the following afternoon or evening.
With GNV, you can book your tickets online on Ferryhopper and pick them up in paper form from the company’s collection points at the port before the trip.
We recommend booking your ferry tickets to Sicily at least 1-3 weeks in advance, as the Genoa - Palermo route is pretty popular all year round, and even more in high season (from May to October).
Especially if you wish to bring along your vehicle or travel in a cabin, we recommend booking as early as possible, as car-deck spaces and cabins usually sell out fast.
Genoa - Palermo ferry prices depend more on the season and demand, and less on the day of the week. This means that, if you wish to travel in August or on a busy weekend, prices might be a bit higher than, for example, on a working day in March.
To board the ferry from Genoa - Palermo, you need a valid ID (citizens of Schengen-area country) or passport.
Plus, if you are traveling with a pet, you need to present recently updated health documents for your pet.
Find detailed answers to all your questions about ferry ticket changes, cancellations and refunds.
Remember that you can also use Ferryhopper's online booking modification service, available with certain ferry companies.